I have grown up with a younger brother, but now in my twenties I have two younger sisters. This is what hosting feels like to me, having had the great privilege of not just being able to host one beautiful child but two. I have been a host volunteer with IOE for approximately three years now. I host 14 year old Leah and 12 year old Taniesha. Two very different young ladies; different ages, different communication methods and support needs but who share a beautiful friendship. 

I met Leah and Taniesha through the IOE recreation program several years ago. They were two gorgeous girls I instantly felt a connection with. I volunteered on recreation programs with IOE at the time but was keen to look into hosting. What drew me to hosting was the idea that you can build a stronger connection with the individual and bring them into your family. It is also more flexible and allowed me to see the girls more frequently. 

I have taken the girls out for days individually and together. I have also had Leah over for overnights at my house. Leah and Taniesha get on so well together. Leah is known as ‘Miss Leah’ when she is with us and Taniesha has built such a strong friendship with her. She is very patient and protective of Leah; she loves playing music for her, sings to her and is always right next to her. Leah also values her lovely friend. Pay attention to where Leah is looking when Taniesha is around – it is always right at her! 

Not only have I been able to build on the relationships I have with the girls but I think the thing that makes me even happier is seeing the friendship they have together. 

Hosting is such a rewarding experience. I have had so much fun with both girls and can’t wait for our next adventure together. Hosting means strengthening and growing your family – now I have two beautiful little sisters. 

– Ashleigh, IOE Host Volunteer

To find out more about the Interchange Outer East host program, click here.

At the Interchange Outer East Maroondah Hub, the team have been working on a couple of new projects. One of them has been reconnecting participants with their friends now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased. The focus is on creating fun and exciting shared shifts out in the community.

So far, groups of friends have enjoyed activities like bowling, Healesville Sanctuary, among others. But the absolute highlight has been two young adult participants, Ben and Hudson. Their coordinator, Kristel set up a shared shift for them to head to the Melbourne Comedy Festival to see their idol Nat’s What I Reckon.

After speaking to both Ben and Hudson’s mums, it was obvious to Kristel what huge fans they are of Nat! They have his cookbooks and really enjoyed watching his YouTube cooking videos throughout lockdown. Nat’s videos are a must watch; both hilarious and educational but they do come with a language warning!

Kristel was keen to think out of the box to make these shared shifts a little bit more special after so many of our participants and families (like the rest of us!) had struggled through lockdowns and restrictions. She decided to contact Nat to see if he could take a few minutes before his show to meet with Ben and Hudson for a photo.

And she’s so glad she did!

Nat not only agreed to meet them for a photo before the show but also gave them unlimited credits at his merchandise store! They got free t-shirts, stubby holders etc. He then invited them backstage after the show so he could sign all the cool stuff they got from the shop! Ben and Hudson were absolutely blown away and super thrilled to have met him.

Their smiles say it all.

On behalf of Ben and Hudson, their families, Kristel and the whole Interchange Outer East team, we are so grateful to Nat for being so generous with his time (and merch!).

Kindness is free; throw it around like confetti!